The Guidelines for Developing a Strong Community Toward Sustainable Self-Governance In Nong Yao Subdistrict, Lat Yao District, Nakhon Sawan Province

Abstract

Abstract

          This study aimed to examine 1) the contextual background of Nong Yao Subdistrict,                2) the management potential of the “Strong Subdistrict” towards sustainable self-management, and 3) the development guidelines for achieving sustainable self-management in Nong Yao Subdistrict, Lat Yao District, Nakhon Sawan Province. The study employed a qualitative research approach. Key informants included administrators, operational officers, community representatives, private sector actors, and the media — totaling 26 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions, and analyzed using inductive content analysis. The results revealed that 1) the development of Nong Yao Subdistrict as a “Strong Subdistrict” became tangible after 2019 by applying the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy to promote stability, prosperity, and sustainability. The subdistrict was recognized as a model area of Lat Yao District and demonstrated readiness in terms of public participation, networking, leadership, community resources, and socio-cultural capital. 2) The management potential towards sustainable self-management included diverse and transparent mechanisms that encourage citizen participation, clear coordination systems that foster multi-sector collaboration, visionary leadership that is close to the people and effective in management, systematic resource management that can be extended to community-based economic development, and strong cultural and local wisdom capital. 3) The development guidelines for sustainable self-management of Nong Yao Subdistrict include establishing continuous and transparent participatory systems to build public trust, promoting systematic and interconnected networks across all sectors, enhancing strategic leadership and public accountability, developing community resource maps for balanced utilization and grassroots economic growth, and modernizing local culture to strengthen community identity and drive the cultural economy.